If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that brings together the irresistible fudginess of brownies and the classic, caramelized crunch of pecan pie, Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies are your answer. This recipe is a playful twist on two beloved treats, layering rich brownie batter beneath a sticky, buttery pecan pie topping for the best of both worlds in every bite. They’re delightfully simple to make, yet look and taste utterly decadent—the kind of dessert that turns any gathering into a party and earns rave reviews at the holiday table or potluck. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies serves a special purpose to deliver the perfect chewy, nutty, chocolatey experience. Gather these simple essentials, and you’ll be amazed how easily they bake up into something extraordinary!
- Brownie Mix (18.4 oz box): The backbone of the dessert, giving you a reliable, chocolatey base with minimal effort!
- Eggs, Oil, and Water (as called for on box): Essential for bringing the boxed brownies to life with the right fudgy texture.
- Light Corn Syrup (1 cup): Makes the pecan topping deliciously gooey and provides that classic pie sweetness.
- Packed Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Deepens the flavor with molasses undertones and gives the topping its rich color.
- Unsalted Butter, Melted (4 tablespoons): Adds a buttery richness to the pecan pie layer and helps everything meld.
- Large Eggs (3): Binds the topping together and makes it custardy and luscious.
- Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and a subtle sweetness that rounds out each bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing out the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors.
- Chopped Pecans (2 cups): The star of the show, adding signature crunch, nutty flavor, and that glorious pie topping texture.
How to Make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy brownie removal and cleaner edges, or generously grease it if you prefer. This step ensures your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies won’t stick and will lift out beautifully every time.
Step 2: Mix and Bake the Brownie Base
Prepare the brownie batter according to the directions on the package, using the eggs, oil, and water as indicated. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to all corners. Bake for 20–25 minutes—just until the surface sets but the brownies are not fully cooked. This step is what keeps the base ultra-fudgy beneath the pecan topping.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Pecan Pie Topping
While your brownies are baking, whisk together the light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until everything is completely smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans so they’re well coated and ready to shine in every bite.
Step 4: Layer and Finish Baking
Once the brownies have par-baked, carefully pour the pecan pie mixture over the entire surface, spreading gently for even coverage. Return the pan to the oven for another 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is set, bubbling, and golden brown. This finishing step gives Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies their signature two-layer magic!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—this patience pays off with cleaner slices and perfectly set layers. For extra tidy squares, refrigerate the pan for a couple of hours before cutting into portions. Each piece showcases the glorious gooey topping over that classic brownie base.
How to Serve Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
Garnishes
Fancy things up by serving your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of whipped cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel. For extra crunch, sprinkle a few toasted pecan halves on top just before serving. These simple touches take Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies from delicious to downright irresistible!
Side Dishes
These brownies play wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. If you like, balance the richness with fresh berries—or make them the star of a dessert platter alongside fruit, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and other holiday favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies into elegant triangles for a special occasion, serve them in cupcake liners for grab-and-go sweets at a party, or stack them high on a rustic wooden board for a cozy dessert spread. However you choose, these brownies light up any table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The gooey pecan pie topping keeps them moist and chewy, making them just as dreamy on day three as they were fresh from the oven!
Freezing
Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving or in a lunchbox for a sweet surprise at work or school.
Reheating
If you love a warm, slightly melty treat (and who could blame you?), just pop an individual bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. You’ll get that fresh-baked taste all over again, and the aroma is amazing!
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch brownie recipe, swap it in—just aim for the same amount of batter as you’d get from a standard box. The magic of Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies works with either base.
How do I know when the pecan topping is set?
The top should be golden and no longer jiggly when you gently shake the pan. It’s normal for the topping to look glossy and sticky, but it will fully set as the brownies cool down.
Can I toast the pecans first?
Toasting your pecans for 5–7 minutes at 350°F before adding them to the topping deepens their flavor and adds extra crunch. This optional step is highly recommended for even more irresistible Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The gooey pecan topping is naturally gluten-free, so this is one easy swap for gluten-sensitive friends.
Why do my brownies fall apart when I cut them?
Slicing too soon is the culprit. Let the Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies cool completely, or even chill them in the fridge for firmer, tidier slices. A sharp knife cleaned between cuts also helps you get picture-perfect squares every time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a family celebration or simply want to surprise yourself with the ultimate indulgence, you can’t go wrong with Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies. This recipe is pure comfort with every bite—delightfully nostalgic, outrageously delicious, and sure to become an instant classic in your kitchen. So tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the baking fun begin!
Print
Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of pecan pie and brownies with these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies. Rich and fudgy brownie base topped with a luscious pecan pie layer, creating the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box (18.4 oz) brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease well.
- Make the brownie layer: Prepare the brownie batter according to package instructions and pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Prepare the pecan pie topping: Whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, salt until smooth. Stir in pecans.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the pecan pie mixture over the partially baked brownies. Bake for 25–30 minutes until set.
- Cool and slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling.
- Substitute maple syrup for corn syrup for a different flavor.
- Chill the brownies in the fridge for firmer slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
